Method and arrangement for utility pole reinforcement

ABSTRACT

Method and arrangement for reinforcing an elongated pole ( 3 ) including a plurality of anchorages ( 28,29 ), each of which are locatable at a different vertical position on pole ( 3 ) and having a tension member ( 30 ) configured to be coupled between at least a pair of said anchorages ( 28, 29 ) for increasing the load capacity of the receiving pole ( 3 ) when thereby fortified. Exemplarily, utility pole ( 5 ) is configured to receive above-ground appurtenances. In a complimentary embodiment, the arrangement further includes a compression member ( 36 ), which may take the same form as the tension member ( 30 ), but with oppositely acting forces imposed therein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] To the full extent permitted by law, the present applicationclaims priority to and the benefit as a United States national phaseentry, non-provisional application to patent cooperation treatyapplication entitled “Method and Arrangement for Utility PoleReinforcement” filed on Mar. 7, 2003, having assigned InternationalApplication No. PCT/US03/07088 and International Publication No. WO03/076737 A1, and which claims priority to U.S. provisional patentapplication entitled “Method and Arrangement for Utility PoleReinforcement” filed on Mar. 7, 2002, having assigned Serial No.60/362,076.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to elongate supportelements, and more particularly, to methods and arrangements forfortifying aerial poles, wherein pole-supported structural reinforcementis achieved without necessitating removal of pole accessories andwithout requiring welding to the pole. The present invention isparticularly suited for, although not limited to, utility polereinforcement, wherein cellular telephone antennas, transmitters and/orreceivers are supported on a monopole having a generally fixed maximumload and wherein utilization of the pole reinforcement device and methodthereof results in a generally substantial increase in said maximum loadwithout interrupting service provided by existing cellular telephoneantennas, transmitters and/or receivers during the installation process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Elongate, upright poles are utilized in many industries for manyapplications. In the most simple of configurations, such poles may serveas flag poles or sailing masts. In more complex arrangements, uprightpoles are used in the utility industries for elevating utility lines, aswell as positioning certain devices above ground level. Regarding suchaerially located devices, one example is the elevation of outdoorlighting such as for street lamps, but an increasingly importantutilization of such utility poles is the elevation of antennas andreceivers for cellular telephone and similar wireless communicationservices.

[0004] The presence of such utility poles is generally seen asdetrimental to the landscape. In addition to purely aestheticobjections, environmental data may indicate a correlation between a lossof certain types of wildlife, namely birds, and an abundance of cellulartowers. Therefore, the number of utility poles is desirably minimized inmost locations. As a result, it has become increasingly important tomaximize the utilization of any given pole once erected. Still further,the proliferation of wireless communication providers has increased theneed for aerial antennas placements.

[0005] Typically, the utility poles are owned and maintained by oneentity, and space thereupon is leased to the communication companies fortheir equipment. As a result, these utility poles owners and operatorsare constantly striving to ever increase the capacity of their existingfacilities. Each pole, however, has a maximum loading capacity for whichit was originally designed. This original design capacity is oftentimesquickly exceeded and therefore reinforcement of the pole to increase itscarrying capacity is desired.

[0006] Traditional methods for providing reinforcement have included thewelding of angle along the exterior surface of the pole in those regionsrequiring reinforcement. This is a particularly disfavored solution notonly because it is unsightly, but because extremely long beads of weldare generally required which are not only time-consuming andlabor-intensive to apply, but can also be structurally degrading to thepole, itself. Still further, a common construction of such poles is ofgalvanized metal. Therefore, any welding imposed thereupon compromisesthe galvanization protection. As a result, “cold galvanization” istypically required in an effort to re-establish the corrosion-resistantfeatures of the pole after welding thereupon has been completed.

[0007] The utilization of welding is undesirable in aerial environments.In a first instance, the related personnel cost for elevated,above-ground welding is high, and there is often a scarcity of qualifiedpersonnel. Further still, the extreme temperature conditions imposedupon the utility pole during a welding process can damage associatedstructures. For example, coaxial cable is often housed within the coreof the utility pole. When welding is affected upon the body of the pole,the associated heat can not only damage such cabling, but has also beenknown to ignite insulation layers provided upon such cable resulting inthe complete loss of the facility due to fire.

[0008] Another problem associated with existing reinforcement strategiesis that installed communication units positioned upon the utility polemust be disturbed; that is, service interruption may be necessary tothose companies already having antennas and receivers on the pole toaccommodate the reinforcement process. As a result, added costs andcomplications must be dealt with to perform such reinforcementprocesses, including performing the updates at night when service towireless customers is less likely to be interrupted.

[0009] Still another problem has been encountered when the cabling fromthe elevated antennas and receivers down to the ground facilities ispositioned exteriorly upon the pole, as opposed to interiorly within thepole's core. Some reinforcement solutions require components tocompletely encircle the pole. If that is the case, exterior cabling mustbe either removed, or at least temporarily positioned at a sufficientdistance away from the pole to give operating space for installation ofthe reinforcement components. This requirement often imposes logisticalproblems, and almost always increases the time and cost associated withthe remedial measures.

[0010] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for amethod and arrangement for pole reinforcement, wherein any type ofelongate, upright pole may be reinforced to increase the carryingcapacity thereof without disrupting services relying thereon, withoutdisturbing fixtures and/or cabling mounted to the pole, and withoutrequiring the introduction of a number of risks associated with weldingalong the outer surface of the pole, thereby enabling a maximization ofthe utilization of any given erected pole and avoiding theabove-discussed disadvantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the presentinvention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets therecognized need for such a device by providing a method and arrangementfor increasing aerial capacity, particularly in the wirelesscommunication industries, via an improved monopole reinforcement deviceand a method thereof, wherein pole-supported structural reinforcement isachieved without necessitating removal of pole accessories and withoutrequiring welding to the pole.

[0012] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the presentinvention is a method and arrangement for pole reinforcement, whereinany type of elongate, upright pole may be reinforced to increase thecarrying capacity thereof without disrupting services relying thereon,without disturbing fixtures and/or cabling mounted to the pole, andwithout requiring the introduction of a number of risks associated withwelding along the outer surface of the pole, thereby enabling amaximization of the utilization of any given erected pole.

[0013] More specifically, the device of the present invention in itspreferred form is a method and arrangement for pole reinforcement,wherein pole stress such as, for exemplary purposes only, flexuralstress and wind resistance, is reduced via reinforcement, especially athigh stress zones, to enable maximization of the support capabilities ofthe footing. The present invention may take the form of either, or bothof a method and arrangement for reinforcing an utility pole including aplurality of anchorages, each of which are locatable at a differentvertical position on the utility pole and having a tension memberconfigured to be coupled between at least a pair of said anchorages forincreasing the load capacity of the receiving utility pole when therebyfortified. Exemplarily, the utility pole is configured to receiveabove-ground appurtenances.

[0014] The preferred method and arrangement for pole reinforcementincludes a plurality of upper anchor brackets, a plurality of loweranchor brackets, tension rods and tension rod guides. The tension rodsextend coaxially along a length of the pole, substantially laterallysecured, but longitudinally freed, with respect to the pole by thetension rod guides, and secured on each end by the upper and loweranchor brackets. The anchor brackets that secure the tension rods aresecured to the pole via fixing bolts, wherein apertures in the anchorbracket support plate are utilized as a template for drilling matingholes in the pole and the fixing bolts are inserted and securedtherethrough. The tension rod guides are similarly secured to the pole,wherein the tension rods extend through apertures defined therein andthe apertures accommodate longitudinal movement while limiting lateralmovement of the rod.

[0015] Relative adjustment of a nut secured upon end threads of each endof the rod applies a pre-tension to the rod. The rods thus serve asreinforcement elements that resist bending of an erect pole. That is, asthe top of the pole bends in one particular direction, the rod(s) on theopposite side of the pole go into increased tension. The rods on thesame side of the pole as the direction of bend either go slack, or caneven be configured to transition into compression for furtherreinforcement. Thus, in a complimentary embodiment, the arrangementfurther includes a compression member, which may take the same form asthe tension member, but with oppositely acting forces imposed therein.

[0016] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the abilityof such a device and method to enable reinforcement of any type ofelongated structure capable of receiving the reinforcement arrangement,irrespective of orientation of the elongated structure relative to thesurface of the earth.

[0017] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is theability of such a device and method to enable reinforcement of generallyvertical structures such as flagpoles and masts and to enablereinforcement of generally horizontal structures such as conduits, pipesand tubes.

[0018] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is theability of such a device and method enable reinforcement of existingmonopoles without necessitating removal of pole accessories.

[0019] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is theability of such a device and method enable reinforcement of an elongatedstructure without requiring welding thereto.

[0020] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is theability of such a device and method to provide a generally substantialincrease in maximum load for a reinforced structure.

[0021] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is theability of such a device and method to maximize utilization of existingutility poles, thereby assuaging wildlife concerns and aestheticobjections to increased pole proliferation.

[0022] Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is theability of such a device and method to be swiftly, economically andsafely installed without compromising galvanization protection andsubjecting the reinforced structure to potential corrosion.

[0023] Still yet another feature and advantage of the present inventionis the ability of such a device and method to be swiftly, economicallyand safely installed without subjecting the pole to extreme weldingtemperature conditions, thereby avoiding risk of ignition and fire.

[0024] Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is theability of such a method and device to reinforce existing utility poleswithout disturbing installed communication units positioned thereupon,thereby avoiding service interruption.

[0025] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is theability of such a device and method to enable cost effectivereinforcement of existing structures and/or new structures.

[0026] Still another feature and advantage of the present invention isthe ability of such a device and method to enable reinforcement of anexisting pole without necessitating components to completely encirclethe pole, thereby enabling existing exterior cabling to remain inposition during installation of the reinforcement apparatus.

[0027] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is theability of such a device and method to increase aerial capacity,particularly in the wireless communication industries.

[0028] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is theability of such a device and method to reduce pole stress such as, forexemplary purposes only, flexural stress and wind resistance.

[0029] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is theability of such a device and method to reduce to enable maximization ofthe support capabilities of a structural footing.

[0030] Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is theability of such a device and method to enable reinforcement of a pole,tower or the like without necessitating anchorage of the reinforcementarrangement to the ground and/or footing.

[0031] Still another feature and advantage of the present invention isthe ability of such a device and method to enable reinforcementinstallation on a pole without necessitating thread-tapped drillingtherein.

[0032] These and other features and advantages of the invention willbecome more apparent to one skilled in the art from the followingdescription and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The present invention will be better understood by reading theDetailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments withreference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like referencenumerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout,and in which:

[0034]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art tapered pipe pole,commonly utilized for elevating wireless communication antennas andreceivers;

[0035]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a typical prior art base anchorageand concrete footing for such a pole as is shown in FIG. 1;

[0036]FIG. 3 is a schematic elevational view of the prior art taperedpipe pole as shown in FIG. 1, showing regions of stress by load-inducedbending thereof in cross-hatch;

[0037]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the prior art tapered pipepole as shown in FIG. 3, taken along line IV-IV;

[0038]FIG. 5 is a first partial perspective view of a pole reinforcementscheme, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention,showing an installation on a reinforced 12-sided polygon-shaped pole;

[0039]FIG. 6 is a second partial perspective view of a polereinforcement scheme, according to the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, as installed on a reinforced 12-sided polygon-shapedpole, showing four top-to-bottom communication cables secured to anexterior face of the utility pole between two faces upon which tworeinforcement arrangements are each positioned;

[0040]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pole reinforcement scheme,according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showingupper anchor brackets;

[0041]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a pole reinforcement scheme,according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showinglower anchor brackets;

[0042]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a pole reinforcement scheme,according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showingtension rods and guides therefore;

[0043]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the utility pole as shown inFIG. 11, taken along line V-V;

[0044]FIG. 11 is an elevational schematic representation of amulti-joint, stacked, 12-sided polygon-shaped utility pole havinginstalled reinforcements, showing blow-up detail of three alternateanchor bracket configurations;

[0045]FIG. 12 is an elevational schematic representation of threeelongate reinforcement arrangements of the present invention asinstalled;

[0046]FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of the elevational schematicrepresentation of FIG. 12, taken along line 13A-13A, showing a top viewthe upper anchor brackets;

[0047]FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the elevational schematicrepresentation of FIG. 12, taken along line 13B-13B, showing a top viewof the guide brackets;

[0048]FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional view of the elevational schematicrepresentation of FIG. 12, taken along line 13C-13C, showing a top viewof the lower anchor brackets;

[0049]FIG. 14 is an elevational view of an upper anchor bracket of FIG.13A;

[0050]FIG. 15 is an elevational view of a lower anchor bracket of FIG.13C;

[0051]FIG. 16 is an elevational view of a guide bracket of FIG. 13B;

[0052]FIG. 17 is a reinforcement arrangement, according to an alternateembodiment of the present invention, showing a ring or collar;

[0053]FIG. 18 is a partial side view of the reinforcement arrangement ofFIG. 17, showing the rods offset slightly from vertical;

[0054]FIG. 19 is a partial side view of the reinforcement arrangement ofFIG. 17, showing the collar assembly;

[0055]FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the upper collar of thereinforcement arrangement of FIG. 17;

[0056]FIG. 21 is an elevational view of a lower anchor bracket;

[0057]FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the lower collar of thereinforcement arrangement of FIG. 17;

[0058]FIG. 23 is a perspective side view of the lower collar of thereinforcement arrangement of FIG. 17;

[0059]FIG. 24 is a partial perspective side view of the collar of FIG.23, showing the collar joining arrangement;

[0060]FIG. 25 is a schematic view of the upper anchor bracket of FIG.14;

[0061]FIG. 26 is a schematic view of the lower anchor bracket of FIG.15;

[0062]FIG. 27A is a side, schematic view of the bracket of FIG. 26,showing a back plate, side wall and lower support member;

[0063]FIG. 27B is an inner support for the lower support member of thebracket of FIG. 26;

[0064]FIG. 28A is the side wall the bracket of FIG. 26;

[0065]FIG. 28B is a first inner support for the bracket of FIG. 26;

[0066]FIG. 28C is a second inner support for the bracket of FIG. 26;

[0067]FIG. 29 is a rear schematic view of the bracket of FIG. 26;

[0068]FIG. 30 is a partial side, cross-sectional, schematic view of thebracket of FIG. 26;

[0069]FIG. 31A is a schematic view of the rod guide assembly of FIG.31C, showing a bracket member that attaches directly to the utilitypole;

[0070]FIG. 31B is a schematic view of the rod guide assembly of FIG.31C, showing a closure plate;

[0071]FIG. 31C is a schematic view of a rod guide assembly according toa preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0072]FIG. 31D is a side, schematic view of the rod guide assemblyarrangement of FIG. 31C;

[0073]FIG. 31E is a side, schematic view of the bracket member of FIG.31A;

[0074]FIG. 31F is a schematic view of the rod guide assembly of FIG.31C, viewed from below;

[0075]FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a reinforcement arrangement,showing an alternate H-shaped bracket configuration; and

[0076]FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a reinforcement arrangement,showing an alternate L-shaped bracket configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

[0077] In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of thepresent invention, as illustrated in the figures and/or describedherein, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. Theinvention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specificterminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specificelement includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similarmanner to accomplish similar functions.

[0078] Referring now to FIGS. 5-6, the present invention in a preferredembodiment is method and device for structural reinforcement 10 ofelongated structure 3, wherein brackets 20 and guides 33, 39 are securedto elongated structure 3 and wherein elongated rods 30 are positionedproximate to elongated structure 3 and are retained by brackets 20 andguides 33, 39. In the preferred embodiment, elongated structure 3 ismonopole 22 such as, for exemplary purposes only, multi-joint, stacked,12-sided polygon shaped pole 25, as depicted in FIGS. 5-11, step,tapered pipe pole 26 a as depicted in FIG. 3, or continuous-tapermonopole tower 26 b, as depicted in FIG. 1, wherein monopole 22 isgenerally and preferably vertically oriented. Elongated structure 3 inFIG. 1 is utility pole 5, shown to include climbing pegs 21 for servicepersonnel, as well as a safety cable 24 to which such personnel areattached during service operations. The description herein of thearrangement and installation of method and device for structuralreinforcement 10 is presented with reference to reinforcement ofmonopole 22 for exemplary purposes only and is not intended to belimiting the application thereto. One skilled in the art would readilyrecognize and it is specifically contemplated within the scope of thepresent invention that method and device for structural reinforcement 10could be utilized on any type of elongated structure 3, irrespective oforientation, wherein for example substantially horizontally positionedpipes or any other suitable structure for receiving method and devicefor structural reinforcement 10 could be strengthened thereby.

[0079] Preferably, brackets 20 include upper anchor brackets 28 andlower anchor brackets 29, and elongated rods 30 include tension 32.Tension rod 32 is preferably steel, however, any suitably strongmaterial possessing similar appropriate characteristics could also beutilized. Tension rod 32 is preferably positioned coaxially along alength of monopole 22 proximate to outer surface 22 a thereof, whereinfirst end 34 a of tension rod 32 is preferably retained by upper anchorbracket 28 and wherein second end 34 b of tension rod 32 is preferablyretained by lower anchor bracket 29.

[0080] In the preferred embodiment, guides 33, 39 include tension rodguide 152, wherein tension rod guide 152 is positioned between upperanchor bracket 28 and lower anchor bracket 29, wherein lateral movementof tension rod 32 is preferably substantially limited by tension rodguide 152, and wherein longitudinal movement of tension rod 32 ispreferably generally permitted by tension rod guide 152. Preferably,method and device for structural reinforcement 10 incorporates theutilization of a plurality of tension rod guides 152 between each upperanchor bracket 28 and lower anchor bracket 29, and a plurality oftension rods 32 secured in like manner relative to elongated structure3.

[0081] Preferably, upper anchor bracket 28 and lower anchor bracket 29include support plate 106 and 108, respectively, wherein rear surfaces106 a and 108 a of support plates 106 and 108, respectively, arepositioned proximate to outer surface 22 a of monopole 22 uponattachment of upper anchor bracket 28 and lower anchor bracket 29 toelongated structure 3. Each support plate 106 and 108 preferably has aplurality of apertures 110 defined therethrough, wherein apertures 110serve as first template 112 for positional selection of mating holes 23a, wherein mating holes 23 a are preferably drilled through outersurface 22 a, and wherein apertures 110 also serve as receiving ports114 for bolts 50 a.

[0082] Preferably, tension rod guide 152 includes mount plate 154,wherein rear surface 154 a of mount plate 154 is positioned proximate toouter surface 22 a of monopole 22 upon attachment of mount plate 154 toelongated structure 3. Mount plate 154 preferably has a plurality ofapertures 156 defined therethrough, wherein apertures 156 serve assecond template 158 for positional selection of mating holes 23 b,wherein mating holes 23 b are preferably drilled through outer surface22 a of monopole 22 to enable attachment of mount plate 154 thereto, andwherein apertures 156 also serve as receiving ports 159 for bolts 50 b.

[0083] Generally and preferably, upper anchor bracket 28 and loweranchor bracket 29 function via substantially the same configuration,albeit inverted relative to each other. Namely, bracing members orelements 45 are provided as generally projecting elements relative tosupport plates 106 and 108, wherein tension rod 32 is preferablypositioned within rod apertures 122 and 124 as defined through crossbrace members 126 a and 126 b, respectively. Preferably, nut 52 a issecured to first end 34 a of tension rod 32 proximate to upper surface128 a of cross brace member 126 a of upper anchor bracket 28, whereinfirst end 34 a of tension rod 32 is preferably threaded. Alsopreferably, nut 52 b is secured to second end 34 b of tension rod 32proximate to lower surface 128 b of cross brace member 126 b of loweranchor bracket 29, wherein second end 34 b of tension rod 32 ispreferably threaded.

[0084] This preferred end-bolted configuration of tension rod 32relative to upper anchor bracket 28 and lower anchor bracket 29 enablesselective manipulation of nut 52 a and/or nut 52 b to apply a prescribedpre-tension to tension rod 32. That is, tightening either nut 52 a ornut 52 b, or tightening both nuts 52 a and 52 b on opposite ends 34 aand 34 b of tension rod 32, can selectively pre-stress tension rod 32,that is, a prescribed pre-tension is applied across elongated rod 30,thereby reducing and/or eliminating “slop” in elongated structure 3 andin reinforcement arrangement of method and device 10, wherein tensionrod 32 preferably serves as a reinforcement element to resist bending orother contortional forces on elongated structure 3.

[0085] The cross-hatched regions of FIG. 3 illustrate representativehigh stress zones requiring reinforcement, wherein stress is typicallyflexural for structures such as monopole 22, and wherein the stress inthe zones is primarily attributable to bending forces induced by upperloads on monopole 22. Though load weight is a contributing component tothe bending forces, a primary actor is wind resistance, particularly theincreased wind resistance caused by additional features, appurtenancesand accessories, such as wireless antennas and receivers, added at upperregions of monopole 22. From an engineering perspective, the combinationof a pair of anchorages 28, 29 and an interconnected tension member orrod 30 constitute a reinforcement arrangement or element 10 thatcontributes resistance to bending of an erect monopole 22. As the top ofpole 22 bends in one particular direction, typically under wind load,rod(s) 30 on the opposite (upwind) side of pole 22 go into increasedtension. The rods 30 on the same side of pole 22 as the direction ofbend (down-wind) either go slack, or transition into compression forfurther reinforcement. In the case that rods 30 are configured foraccepting compression forces, the rod ends must be bi-directionallysecured; that is, fixed with respect to anchor plate 53.

[0086] High stress zones, typically identified through computer-aidedanalysis, are the most likely candidate regions to be reinforced inorder to provide additional carrying capacity to existing monopole 22structure. In this computer-aided analysis for identification ofcandidate regions to be reinforced, there may be different limitingfactors. One factor may be the construction of monopole 22 itself, butof equal significance is the support capabilities of monopole's 22footing. Regardless of how strong monopole 22 can be made, the capacityof footing may not be exceeded.

[0087] It has been discovered that for some utility poles 5, especiallythose that are heavily loaded, the tension rod approach alone will notalways provide sufficient fortification. Responsively, a complementarycompression member or rod 36 configuration has been developed that wouldforce rod 36 elements on the compression face of the shaft of elongatedstructure 3 to take-up compressive forces. In order to do this, theconfigurations of anchor brackets 28, 29 have to be appropriatelydesigned to handle the reversal in the force direction (with respect totension conditions) and rods 36 have to be braced against buckling. Thisresults in the end supports, upper and lower anchor brackets 28, 29being spaced much closer together for the tension rod designs. However,a much greater composite section capacity is obtained and, hence, a muchlarger load carrying capacity for such a reinforced monopole 22 isachieved. When considering compression member or rod 36, exemplaryembodiments require double nuts 55, or suitable equivalents to achievethe compression rod configuration, while only a single nut can beutilized for the tension rod configuration. In practice, it should beunderstood that if a reinforcement arrangement 10 is configured to actas a compression member 36, by fastening rod 30 to upper and loweranchor brackets 28, 29 against both upward and downward translationalmovement, that same arrangement 10 will act as a tension rod 32 whenopposite (tensile) stress or force is applied thereto.

[0088] The present invention contemplates, among others, systems inwhich only externally applied high strength tension rods 32 areinstalled with some amount of pre-stress or pre-tension load imposed.While rods 30 are applied symmetrically with respect to the pole crosssection (typically 6 or 8 rods), only rods 30 that develop tensileforces are included in the strength equation when designing and tuningthe system. It should be appreciated, as otherwise explained herein,that when the shaft tube of elongated structure 3 is bent in flexure,there exists a compression face at which elongated structure 3 tends toshorten under load and a tension face at which elongated structure 3tends to stretch or lengthen. Rods on the compression face tend to goslack or buckle so only the rods 30 that carry tension are active. As aresult, what can now be considered a composite structural element; thatis, the shaft of elongated structure 3 and the reinforcementarrangements 10 having active tension rods 32, when taken together, areasymmetric with a center of gravity (CG) of the composite elementdisplaced slightly toward the tension rod face of the pole. The resultis an increase in the pole's moment of inertia, I. It is this increasein moment of inertia that allows for more load carrying capacity in theshaft of elongated structure 3. Each tension rod 32 can generally beconsidered a tension element, but when described herein, each tensionelement can include one or more tension rods 32.

[0089] The actual moment of inertia of an exemplary composite section isinfluenced by at least: (1) the moment of inertia of the shaft ofelongated structure 3, (2) the area of tension rod 32, and (3) the rod'seccentricity; that is, the distance rod 32 is spaced with respect to thepole shaft. Typically, for any given pole section, the pole shaft momentof inertia is constant, but the tension rod size, and hence, its area,can be varied as can the rod's eccentricity. In the design process, thisbecomes an interactive exercise that eventually will result in thedesired geometry. Therefore, for a given pole shaft section andassociated tension rod arrangement (cross-sectional area andeccentricity), the amount of tensile force that a particular rod carriescan be computed.

[0090] It has been discovered that within the length of a givenelongated rod 30 which is generally taken as being the rod extensionbetween rod termination mounts (RTM), anchor brackets 28, 29, theeccentricity will need to be greatest at the bottom end and least at thetop end of the reinforcement arrangement 10. Also, the tension force inrods 30 is commensurately greatest at the bottom and least at the top.Since the experienced tension force actually varies along the length ofrod 30, the difference in force between the two end points must betaken-up.

[0091] In one embodiment, U-bolt clamps 60 can be utilized for fixingrod 30 to monopole 22 as shown in FIG. 32. This attachment transfers alongitudinal force (the difference in the rod tension) and a lateralforce (due to the curved shape of the bent pole shaft). Differentlyconfigured anchor brackets and rod positioners can be utilized;exemplary configurations include welded T-sections, U-bolt onI-sections, and U-bolt on L-sections 62 as shown in FIG. 33. In FIGS. 32and 33, fastening arrangements are shown to include HOLLO bolts that areparticularly advantageous in this setting because of their self-securingcapacities.

[0092] In practice, welded T-sections function particularly well from astructural perspective, but they can present scheduling problems withrespect to fabrication. For this reason, the U-bolt configurations aremore typically utilized in implementations of the present invention.

[0093] In order to maintain the integrity of elongated rods 30, theirposition with respect to elongated structure 3 must be substantiallyfixed. As elongated structure 3 bends, without guides 33, 39 illustratedin FIG. 9, the orientation of elongated rods 30 with respect toelongated structure 3 can change. Therefore, guides 33, 39, which willbe described in greater detail hereinbelow, are preferably provided atintervals along the length of each rod 30 thereby laterally securing rod30 with respect to elongated structure 3, but also preferably enablingfree longitudinal movement of rod 30 within guide 33, 39. It should beappreciated that guide 33,39 character as between tension andcompression is determined by what kind of force (tension or compression)associated rod 30 is carrying.

[0094]FIG. 11 provides an elevational, schematic representation ofmulti-section 15, stacked, 12-sided polygon-shaped utility pole 5. Eachsection 15 tapers from its lower to upper end, and each lower end issized and configured to fit over the top end of the section locatedimmediately therebelow. Because of this tapered configuration andrelative sizing, multiple sections 15 may be stacked to form elongateutility pole 5. This configuration establishes overlap regions 18between sections 15 characterized as overlapping joints, or splices inFIG. 11. In the blow-up details at the right-hand side of FIG. 11, threedifferent anchor configurations 27 are illustrated. Primarily, it isdemonstrated that one or more tension rods 32 may be incorporated into areinforcement arrangement according to method and device 10. In theupper detail of FIG. 11, an anchor configuration 27 is shown having rods30 extending in just one direction. In each of the lower details of FIG.11, an anchor configuration 27 is shown having rods 30 extending in bothdirections. It is based on such double-connections to anchorconfigurations 27 that composite forces are imposed for transfer to thecarrying pole 22.

[0095] The reinforcement arrangements 10 shown perspectively in FIGS. 5and 6 are depicted in greater detail in FIGS. 12-16. FIG. 12 provides anelevational view showing three alternative individual reinforcementarrangements according to method and device 10, while FIGS. 13a-13 cshow various horizontal cross-sections taken as indicated in FIG. 12.More specifically, FIG. 13a shows the top view of a set of upper anchorbrackets 28, FIG. 13b shows a top view of a set of guides 33, 39, andFIG. 13c shows a top view of a set of lower anchor brackets 29.

[0096]FIG. 14 shows an elevational view upper anchor bracket 28, whileFIG. 15 shows an elevational view of lower anchor bracket 29. Therein,several reinforcing bracing members 50 may be appreciated as weldedmembers upon back support plate 56. One skilled in the art would readilyrecognize that although welding is the preferred method of attachmentfor bracing members to support plates, any appropriately strong means ofattachment could be utilized such as, for exemplary purposes only,tongue-and-groove adhesive mating and/or riveting, and/or support platesand bracing members could be partially or entirely integrally formed.Cross brace members 126 a and 125 b are depicted in a preferredsubstantially horizontal orientation relative to the axis of monopole22, wherein bracing members 45 preferably provide support thereto.

[0097] In the preferred embodiment, rear surface 58 of support plate 56is configured to fit substantially flush, in a face-to-face orientationagainst exterior surface 22 a of elongated structure 3. In the preferredembodiment, as illustrated, support plate 56 is generally flat, however,it is contemplated that support plate 56 may be variously configured togenerally conform to exterior 22 a of elongate structure 3 upon whichsupport plate 56 is intended to be applied. For example, support plate56 may be generally arcuately-shaped, may have defined angles, and/ormay be any suitable shape enabling adaptation to elongate structure 3for reinforcement thereof. The anchor plate 53 is shown in asubstantially horizontal orientation and is supported by several of theprovided brace members 45.

[0098] One advantageous aspect of the heretofore-described embodiment ofthe present invention is the way in which anchor configurations 27 arejoined to utility pole 5. That is, an important feature of the preferredembodiment of the present invention is the method of securing brackets20 to elongate structure 3. Apertures or holes 57 are provided insupport plate 56, wherein apertures 57 are preferably aligned withmating holes 23 a, 23 b in elongated structure 3. From a practicalstandpoint, apertures 57 enable support plate 56 to be utilized as firsttemplate 112 for drilling mating holes 23 a, 23 b in monopole 22.Preferably, fixing bolts 50 a, 50 b are positioned through apertures 57of support plate 56 and mating holes 23 a, 23 b of monopole 22, whereinthe alignment and relative location thereof is secured thereby.

[0099] In the event that the position for attachment of anchor bracket28, 29 is at overlapped region or joint 18 of two sections 15, apertures57 are alternately provided to enable mating holes 23 a, 23 b and fixingbolts 50 a, 50 b to be positioned on both of adjacent pole sections 15,thereby reinforcing pole joint or overlapped region 18 via attachment ofsupport plate 56 and beneficially fixing all three of the components,first section, second section and bracket, relative to one another bysuch cross-positioned bolts. This beneficial cross-joint reinforcementcan be of critical importance because of the tension/compression actionin reinforcing rods 30. More specifically, if significant relativemovement were permitted to occur between sections 15 at overlap regionor joint 18 wherein reinforcement arrangement 10 extends thereacross,the tensioning or compression capability of rod 30 may be obviated. Bypositioning bolts 50 a, 50 b strategically through support plate 56 tosecure each of two pole sections 15 making up joint 18, this possibilityis substantially eliminated.

[0100] It is also a significant feature of the preferred embodiment ofthe present invention 10 that bolts 50 a, 50 b are used for connectionof brackets 20 and guides 33, 39 to elongated structure 3, as opposed towelded connections. As intimated hereinabove, this prevents thecompromise of any galvanization of pipe joints 18 of monopole 22. In thepreferred embodiment, bolts 50 a, 50 b are blind-side fasteners, alsoknown as anchor-type expansion bolts, wherein utilization thereofeliminates the need for manipulation within interior of monopole 22 forthe securement of brackets 20 and guides 33, 39 thereupon—that is thesetypes of fasteners are essentially self-securing. Moreover, thepreferred use of expansion bolts eliminates the need for mating holes 23a, 23 b in monopole 22 to be tapped for threaded engagement. However, itis contemplated that other means of attachment could be utilized toaccomplish the equivalent function such as, for exemplary purposes only,locking-well-type fasteners.

[0101]FIG. 16 provides an elevational view of a preferred arrangementfor rod guides 33, 39. As illustrated, rod guide 33,39 is primarilycomposed of anchor plate 53, wherein anchor plate 53 has a ninety-degreeangle and is boltable to elongated structure 3 via apertures 57 in amanner similar to that used to secure anchor brackets 28, 29 to elongatestructure 3. Preferably, second closure plate 54 is bolted to horizontaland outwardly projecting leg of anchor plate 53, thereby forming guideaperture 57 about rod 30, details of which are shown in FIGS. 31A-F.

[0102] An alternate configuration of the reinforcement arrangement isillustrated in FIGS. 17-24. Therein, a ring or collar arrangement 80 isshown that is fixed about the periphery of utility pole 5, irrespectiveof the shape of pole 5. In this alternate design, collar 83 essentiallyserves as a substitute for back support plate 56 of brackets 20 thatwould otherwise be positioned upon utility pole 5 in the preferredembodiment. Otherwise, the construction of anchor bracket 28, 29 can besimilar to that disclosed and described hereinabove. As illustrated,however, collar 83 is exemplarily made up of two halves 85 that arejoined together to surround utility pole 5. It is understood, however,that more than two members could be utilized to form collar 83, and thatthe represented circular shape of collar 83 is not intended to be alimitation. That is, collar 83 could be polygonal or any suitable shape.Similar to back plates 56 of individual brackets 28, 29, collar 83 ispositively connected via expansion bolts through aligned apertures incollar 83 and utility pole section(s).

[0103]FIG. 18 diagrammatically illustrates that rods 30 may beadvantageously offset slightly from vertical. This orientation isdepicted in FIGS. 17 and 18 as different eccentricities of a particularrod 30 between the top and bottom ends of rod 30 and the centroid ofutility pole 5. As a result, this vertically offset orientation isgenerally accommodated by a similar angular offset from horizontal ofanchor plate 53 in the bracket assembly. This matching offset isprovided to assure a square relationship between abutting nut 55 on rod30 and the contact surface of anchor plate 53.

[0104] FIGS. 19-24 illustrate details of an exemplary ring or collararrangement 80 in which: FIG. 19 is an elevational view; FIG. 20 is asectional view looking downward at two halves 85 of a collar 83installable about a utility pole 5 (but not yet secured together); FIG.21 is a side elevational view of a guide 33, 39 for a rod 30; and FIG.22 is a secured (bolted-together) configuration of two-half collar 83 ofFIG. 20. FIG. 23 is a detailed view of a midsection of one of collarhalves 85 and FIG. 24 is a detail of bolted flanges forming a securedjoint between two collar halves 85.

[0105]FIGS. 25 and 26 again depict lower 29 and upper 28 anchorbrackets, respectively. FIGS. 27-29, however, provide details of backsupport plate 56, several brace members 45 and anchor plate 53 as eachrelates to upper anchor bracket 28 of FIG. 26. FIG. 30 shows details ofan exemplary connection between back support plate 56 and anchor plate53.

[0106]FIG. 31 illustrates components of guide 33, 39. FIG. 31A shows aslotted guide bracket member 63 that attaches directly to the utilitypole 5. A U-shaped slot or recess is provided in the horizontallyoriented plate for accepting a tension rod therein. FIG. 31B illustratesclosure plate 54 that is bolted upon the receiving anchor plate 53 asshown in FIG. 31C for enclosing a tension rod 32. As describedhereinabove, however, the size of that through-aperture or slot for rod32 is appropriately sized to accommodate longitudinal movement of acaptured rod, but to limit lateral movement (particularly side-to-side)which could inhibit the operative qualities thereof. FIG. 31D similarlydepicts guide assembly 33, 39 as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 31Eillustrates the support angle of the guide assembly alone. FIG. 31Fillustrates a top view of the guide arrangement's through-apertures fora tension rod.

[0107] Referring again to the embodiment of the invention in whichindividual anchor brackets 28, 29 are used, as opposed to anchor collars80, a superior method for reinforcing utility poles 3 is enabled.Referring to FIG. 7, the installation of anchor brackets 28, 29alongside existing and exteriorly located cabling 8 is shown. Byutilizing such individual anchor brackets 28, 29, installation of theentire reinforcement arrangement 10 can be accomplished withoutdisturbing either the existing cable configuration, or the wirelessservices being provided therethrough. This is a significant advantageover other reinforcement procedure requiring either removal and thenreinstallation of such cabling, or even the temporary displacement ofthe cables.

[0108] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that thewithin disclosures are exemplary only, and that various otheralternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within thescope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention isnot limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but islimited only by the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A reinforcement arrangement for an utility pole, saidarrangement comprising: a plurality of anchorages, each of saidanchorages configured to be located at a different vertical position onan utility pole; and a tension member configured to be coupled betweenat least a pair of said anchorages for increasing the load capacity of areceiving utility pole when thereby fortified.
 2. A reinforced utilitypole arrangement comprising: an utility pole configured to receiveabove-ground appurtenances; a plurality of anchorages, each of saidanchorages located a different vertical position on said utility pole;and a tension member configured to be coupled between at least a pair ofsaid anchorages for increasing the load capacity of a receiving utilitypole when thereby fortified.
 3. The arrangement as recited in claim 2,further comprising: said plurality of anchorages located at on exteriorsurface of said utility pole.
 4. The arrangement as recited in claim 2,further comprising: said plurality of anchorages coupled to an exteriorsurface of said utility pole.
 5. The arrangement as recited in claim 2,further comprising: said plurality of anchorages fastened to an exteriorsurface of said utility pole.
 6. The arrangement as recited in claim 2,further comprising: said utility pole comprising a plurality of stackedpipe sections; and an overlap-joint formed between adjacent stacked pipesections; and a portion of at least one of said plurality of anchoragesextending across said overlap-joint thereby fixing said adjacent stackedpipe sections against relative movement.
 7. The arrangement as recitedin claim 2, further comprising: a tension member guide positioned onsaid utility pole at a vertical location between said pair of saidplurality of anchorages, said tension member guide adapted to receive atension member therethrough.
 8. The arrangement as recited in claim 7,further comprising: said tension member guide adapted to permittranslating vertical movement of a tension member therethrough and tolimit lateral movement of said tension member relative to said guide. 9.The arrangement as recited in claim 2, further comprising: said tensionmember being oriented to have a varying eccentricity with respect tosaid utility pole.
 10. The arrangement as recited in claim 2, furthercomprising: each of said tension members being connected to at least oneof said anchorages and unidirectionally secured against translationalmovement relative thereto.
 11. The arrangement as recited in claim 2,further comprising: a compression member configured to be coupledbetween at least a pair of said anchorages for increasing the loadcapacity of a receiving utility pole when thereby fortified.
 12. Thearrangement as recited in claim 11, further comprising: a compressionmember guide positioned on said utility pole at a vertical locationbetween said pair of said plurality of anchorages, said compressionmember guide adapted to receive a compression member therethrough. 13.The arrangement as recited in claim 12, further comprising: saidcompression member guide adapted to permit translating vertical movementof a compression member therethrough and to limit lateral movement ofsaid tension member relative to said guide thereby preventing bucklingof said compression member when under compression.
 14. The arrangementas recited in claim 11, further comprising: said compression memberbeing oriented to have a varying eccentricity with respect to saidutility pole.
 15. The arrangement as recited in claim 11, furthercomprising: each of said compression members being connected to at leastone of said pair of anchorages and being unidirectionally securedagainst transactional movement relative thereto.
 16. The arrangement asrecited in claim 11, further comprising: each of said compressionmembers being connected to at least one of said pair of anchorages andbeing bidirectionally secured against translational movement relativethereto.
 17. The arrangement as recited in claim 2, further comprising:at least one of said anchorages being positioned upon a collar, saidcollar surrounding and fastened about said utility pole.
 18. Thearrangement as recited in claim 2, further comprising: a plurality ofsaid anchorages being positioned upon a collar, said collar surroundingand fastened about said utility pole.
 19. The arrangement as recited inclaim 18, further comprising: said plurality of said anchoragespositioned upon said collar being located at substantially the samevertical position relative to said utility pole.
 20. A reinforcementdevice for use on an elongated structure, comprising: a plurality ofanchor brackets; a plurality of elongated rods, said plurality ofelongated rods positioned coaxially along the elongated structure andcarried by said plurality of anchor brackets; and a plurality of rodguides.
 21. The reinforcement device of claim 20, wherein said pluralityof elongated rods are substantially laterally secured and generallylongitudinally freed relative to the elongated structure by saidplurality of rod guides.
 22. The reinforcement device of claim 20,wherein said elongated structure is an upright pole, wherein saidplurality of anchor brackets is a plurality of upper anchor brackets anda plurality of lower anchor brackets, and wherein each said elongatedrod of said plurality of elongated rods is secured between a first upperanchor bracket and a second lower anchor bracket.
 23. The reinforcementdevice of claim 20, further comprising a plurality of fixing bolts, saidplurality of fixing bolts securing said plurality of anchor brackets aresecured to said elongated structure.
 24. The reinforcement device ofclaim 20, further comprising a plurality of nuts, said plurality of nutsthreadedly secured on said plurality of elongated rods proximate to saidplurality of anchor brackets.
 25. A method of reinforcing an elongatedstructure, comprising the steps of: a) obtaining a plurality of anchorbrackets, a plurality of elongated rods, a plurality of rod guides, anda plurality of fixing bolts; b) utilizing said plurality of fixing boltsto secure said plurality of anchor brackets to the elongated structure;d) coaxially positioning each said rod of said plurality of elongatedrods proximate to the outer surface of the elongated structure; e)securing a first end of each said rod of said plurality of elongatedrods into a first anchor bracket of said plurality of anchor brackets;f) securing a second end of each said rod of said plurality of elongatedrods into a second anchor bracket of said plurality of anchor brackets;and g) laterally securing each said rod of said plurality of elongatedrods into at least one of said plurality of rod guides.
 26. The methodof reinforcing an elongated structure of claim 25, wherein each saidanchor bracket of said plurality of anchor brackets has a plurality ofapertures defined therethrough and further comprising the steps of: a′)positioning each said anchor bracket of said plurality of anchorbrackets proximate to the elongated structure and utilizing saidplurality of apertures as a template; a″) drilling a plurality of matingholes in the elongated structure; and wherein said plurality of fixingbolts are secured in said plurality of mating holes.
 27. The method ofreinforcing an elongated structure of claim 25, wherein each said rodguide of said plurality of rod guides has a plurality of hole aperturesdefined therethrough and at least one guide aperture defined therein,and further comprising the steps of: a′) positioning each said rod guideof said plurality of rod guides proximate to the elongated structure andutilizing said plurality of apertures as a template; a″) drilling aplurality of mating holes in the elongated structure; wherein saidplurality of fixing bolts are secured in said plurality of mating holes,and wherein each said rod of said plurality of rods is positionedproximate to said at least one guide aperture, wherein longitudinalmovement of said rod is accommodated and lateral movement of said rod islimited by said at least one guide aperture.
 28. The method ofreinforcing an elongated structure of claim 25, further comprising thesteps of: g) obtaining a plurality of nuts; h) securing a first nut ofsaid plurality of nuts upon a first end of an elongated rod of saidplurality of elongated rods; i) securing a second nut of said pluralityof nuts upon a second end of an elongated rod of said plurality ofelongated rods; j) applying a pre-tension to said elongated rod of saidplurality of rods by tightening said first and second nuts.